Amazing hotel on Diani beach, Kenya

Almanara Boutique hotel (part of the Almanara luxury resort) is an absolute paradise of peace and quiet, where every reasonable whim is taken care of in a relaxed and friendly manner. With only five rooms it never gets too crowded.

There are lounge chairs and umbrellas by the infinity pool for everybody, and additional ones down by the beach, about 40 meters down the stairs.

View from the poolside towards the ocean

After driver piced us up at the airport, it was a short drive, abt 20 minutes to the hotel. Passing by the private villas, we were greeted by the hotel staff and offered cold towels and welcome drinks. Checking in was effortless 10 minute , and we were shown our room.

We had a chance to stay in both Ocean View Rooms and Ocean View Suites. There's plenty of room in both, hardwood floors and traditional furniture, with a huge bed hidden under the mosquito net. the rooms were air conditioned, bathrooms were huge (really, I've stayed at hotel rooms smaller than the bathrooms) equipped with well working showers and a jacuzzi in the suite. The private balcony in the Suite and terrace in the Room really did have a view of the ocean, of the greenery between the hotel and the ocean, and the pool. Both were frequented by wild monkeys passing through the hotel grounds.

One thing to note - there are no TVs in the rooms. In the hindsight it was for the best. Besides, there is a games room to watch TV whenever one wishes.

As mentioned, the service was friendly, relaxed, but that doesn't mean it lacked quality in any respect. All the staff was really well trained to chat with you, when you're bored, but leave you in peace when you wish to be by yourself.

Perhaps one of the best parts of the whole experience. Three meals a day are included in the price, and additional snacks in the afternoon are available on request. The chef suggests the menu at breakfast, but it's entirely possible to make your own requests. As one of the best restaurants in Diani beach seems to share the kitchen with the hotel, we always got the best possible food in the area. Lots of fresh seafood, and fresh produce from the hotels own vegetable garden.

Location is right on the beach, so if that's the aim, it doesn't get much better than this. The town centre with shops and hospital is about 10-15 min away by car (the driver is available on short notice), there are all sorts of water sports available and trips to snorkling and fishing can be arranged. There is a monkey conservation centre about a kilometre from the hotel with Colobus and other monkeys roaming freely on the grounds (sometimes visiting the hotel as well)

Ahh, the beach. Bright white fine sand and warm waters of Indian Ocean. Not much seaweed in sight, occasional tropical fish and sea urchins losing their way to the beach. The reef is not far away and can even be swimmed to. Surprisingly calm most of the time, although nearby water sports rentals can sometimes litter the sea with kitesurfers.